Wednesday, 19 June 2013

Support Systems

I
can honestly say that this degree is one of the hardest things I have ever
done. Not only is it physically and mentally demanding, but it's also extremely
emotionally demanding. Whether you're at university or out in practice, times
can get tough, and it's important during those times to have a solid support
network.

There is much discussion both online and offline about the importance of a good mentor, and what it is exactly that makes them so good: including the invaluable support that they so
passionately and often unknowingly provide. However, less is said in relation to personal tutors, who are, in my opinion, just as important as practice mentors, if not more so.

As with mentors, there are myriad factors that can impact upon the relationship between students and personal tutors, and the resultant experiences had. I suspect many of these contributory factors are the same for both camps alike; for example, the random assignation
of students to staff members resulting in pot-luck outcomes, due to issues such as personality clashes, time constraints, or lack of interest from either of the respective parties.

There is no obvious or easy solution to many of these problems. However, perhaps an element of flexibility and understanding from the institutions involved, combined with a more pro-active approach from students would prove beneficial. In my experience, many students neglect to fully utilise their personal tutor: usually as a result of one or more of the aforementioned issues, ultimately bypassing what I feel is an undervalued and fruitful support system.

On a more personal and positive level, I would be lost without my personal tutor; I value her advice and guidance immensely. She is always accepting of my many requests for support, and I feel that all of our sessions are tailored in order to suit me as an individual and fit my specific needs: all of which works towards making me feel empowered and valued in the long run. With all sincerity, I could not have asked for a more perfect pairing, and I am truly and forever grateful for the nurse that she is striving to help me to become.

2 comments:

My personal tutor is brilliant & I am really thankful that I was assigned to her. During my first degree I didn't meet with my personal tutor once, didn't even meet them. I didn't really know how to go about it. With a course like nursing though a personal tutor is so important because the course is so emotionally demanding etc.

About Me

Newly-qualified adult-field nurse, avid NHS supporter, social-media advocate, blogger, and feminist: obsessed with all things nursing, coffee, carbs, and dogs! Once a student-nurse blog, the aim now is to chronicle my journey as a NQN and beyond. You can contact me on florencenursingtales@gmail.com